March 2025 - Ocean Club Hotel

In our area, you can find many excellent places to take a deep dive into Cape May history. You and your loved ones will learn about the people and events that shaped our region. While you’re in our area, you can enjoy comfortable, well-adorned accommodations at Ocean Club Hotel. Here, our team points out locations that a history lover should include in their Cape May itinerary.What Makes Cape May HistoricCape May’s history begins with its early inhabitants, the Kechemeche Indians of the Lenni-Lenape tribe. The city is named after Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who explored the region in 1620. English colonists established farming and whaling industries as they began settling in the area.Building roads allowed Cape May to become a major tourist attraction. Starting in the mid-18th century, Philadelphians began traveling here for vacation. Interest grew as they spread positive reports of their experience, and in 1761, Cape May became America’s first official resort destination.Following a significant fire in 1878, Cape May rebuilt with Victorian architecture, which continues to attract visitors to this day. After the Garden State Parkway opened in 1957, families had the most convenient access to this seaside destination. In 1976, Cape May, New Jersey, became an official National Historic Landmark.Presidents Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Ulysses S. Grant, Chester A. Arthur, and Benjamin Harrison each visited Cape May during their lives, giving the town the nickname of “The President’s Playground.”Attractions Celebrating Cape May HistoryThroughout America’s original seaside resort, there are plenty of things to do that appease many interests, including history. The following provide different glimpses into each era of Cape May’s rich history:Cape May Lighthouse (215 Lighthouse Ave.)This landmark within Cape May Point State Park is on the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places. Many people climb to the top of the lighthouse’s 199 steps to take in spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Panels at the site cover the lighthouse’s history along with tales of people who staffed it.World War II Lookout Tower (536 Sunset Blvd.)Officially named Fire Control Tower No. 23, this structure was part of Fort Miles, a coastal World War II defense system. Guests take in exhibits on each floor that discuss the roles the tower and the people who served inside played as they approach the sixth floor’s spotting gallery. The Wall of Honor and the nearby eternal flame sculpture are reflective spaces that pay tribute to those who served our nation.Historic Cold Spring Village (720 US Route 9)The past comes alive at New Jersey’s largest outdoor living history museum. Return to 1800s-era rural Southern New Jersey to see what life was like during America’s formative years as you explore this 30-acre site. Watch reenactors perform basket weaving, blacksmithing, bookbinding, farming, printing, and woodworking demonstrations. Don’t forget to make a stop at Cold Spring Brewery before you leave.Underground Railroad Trolley Tour & Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey (632 Lafayette St.)This acclaimed museum draws attention to the antislavery movement’s role in Cape May history. Guests will learn about Harriet Tubman’s connection to Cape May, where she worked during the early 1850s to help pay for freedom missions. The 90-minute Underground Railroad trolley tour gives further insight into abolitionist figures with area ties, and it includes a stop at the notable Mount Zion Cemetery in West Cape May.The Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington St.)This beautiful venue within the Cape May Historical District is the city’s only Victorian house museum. Designed by American architect Frank Furness, the estate became the Physick family residence in 1879. Visitors can take a tour through the 18-room home, explore exhibits within the Carroll Gallery, and stroll through the herb garden. Some tours focus on the house’s reputation for being haunted.Include Ocean Club Hotel in Your Cape May VisitWhile exploring Cape May history, come stay at Ocean Club Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey. Choose from full ocean-view rooms and penthouse suites, spend time at our 31,000-gallon heated pool, and eat at our SeaSalt Restaurant for fine dining without the fuss. Contact us today to start planning your stay.

Month: March 2025

A History Lover’s Guide to Cape May

Exploring the Local Art Scene in Cape May

OCEAN CLUB HOTEL

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